Reston Location

Mary Cronin

Piano

Mary Cronin discovered music through joining the elementary school orchestra at the age of eight where she began her violin studies. Within two years, she began her piano journey, in addition to violin. As her artistry grew, her teachers took notice and began to inspire her to make it a career. She decided to attend Longwood University where she earned a B.A. in Piano Pedagogy, while continuing her work on violin.

In 2013, she was awarded the merit from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Piano Assessment (A.B.R.S.M.), mastered books 1-4 from the Suzuki Violin method, received top marks in the Solo and Ensemble Festivals on violin and performed a violin solo with the Longwood Advanced Choir. Mary enjoys teaching and encourages a safe, fun, and engaging learning environment while promoting excellent student, parent and teacher interaction. Her mission is to inspire her violin and piano students to fall in love with music and find a fun and exciting way to express themselves!

The Music Stores

Caitlin McGuire

Piano, Flute, Guitar

Caitlin McGuire’s journey with music first began at age 9 when she started taking flute lessons. Once in high school she also began piano and guitar lessons to further her love and knowledge of music. She then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Appalachian State University and became a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Her 6 month internship was completed at Springfield Hospital Center in Sykesville, Maryland.

Caitlin moved out to Reno, Nevada as a music therapist to work with and teach music lessons to people of all ages and abilities. She missed her roots in NOVA and took a road trip across the country to move back. Shortly after she began teaching lessons at Twinbrook and Reston Music. She enjoys empowering her students to take pride in themselves and their skills as musicians as they grow.

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Sarah Jacob

Voice, Piano

A native to San Antonio, Texas, Sarah Jacob is a teacher and performer. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Texas State University, where she was in a number of operas including Gianni Schicchi, HMS Pinafore and the world premiere of Lady Bird: First Lady of the Land. Additionally, she has participated in scenes from Le nozze di Figaro, The Old Maid and the Thief, The Tender Land and L’Incoronazione di Poppea. She also recently participated in Opera Viva! in Verona, Italy in 2016. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at George Mason University, where she is studying under the guidance of Patricia Miller and is involved with Mason Opera Theater.

Since graduating, Ms. Jacob took on teaching privately full time. Her ultimate goal is to be a performing teacher. Her favorite part of being a private instructor is watching her students transform into more confident people, while also watching their skills grow as musicians.

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Joe Crawley

Percussion, Drum Set

I‘ve been a passionate drummer for 14 years and have been teaching for 5. I have studied the snare drum and drumkit formally with local teacher/performerTrent Renshaw, covering all contemporary styles ranging from Rock, Funk, to Jazz. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in percussion performance through NOVA and George Mason University. I have performed in various original and cover bands in the D.C area. Currently, I am hitting the skins for VA based heavy metal band Deranged Theory. I am looking for energetic, fun loving students of all ages with a drive to learn and grow as musicians! My teaching approach includes a strong emphasis on technique and rudimental studies, as well as time-keeping and developing the students ear through both reading and playing along to great music. Let’s Jam!

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Jared Tidd

Piano

Jared Tidd began playing piano at age 10. He received his B.S. in Applied Piano from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he studied with Dr. Carolyn Kindley. He later had the opportunity to prepare for grad school by studying with Dr. Phoenix Park-Kim. He then attended Miami University on a full graduate assistantship under the tutelage of Dr. Siok Lian Tan, and received his Master’s of Music in Piano Performance. Jared has performed in numerous recitals and concerts, as both a soloist and accompanist. He has also participated in various competitions and master classes, including a master class with the legendary Menahem Pressler. Jared is comfortable working with beginning to early advanced students, and is happy to teach students of any age, from 5 to 105.

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Zoe Spruston

Violin, Viola

Music has always been a passion of mine. I started playing violin at age nine and had the privilege of studying under the instruction of two amazing teachers; Helia Schramm and Hilel Kagan. I was trained in the Suzuki method and at a young age participated in many solo performances, chamber ensembles, and youth orchestras, including Canzonetta, a private elite youth orchestra in Chicago in which I served as second violin section leader. Playing with the Canzonetta orchestra throughout high school afforded me the extraordinary opportunity to travel to and perform in Toulouse, France. I also served as a first violinist in my high school’s symphony orchestra and traveled to New York City to perform. Currently I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Violin Pedagogy at George Mason University, where I play in the first violin section of the Mason Symphony Orchestra. During my time at George Mason I have been fortunate to study under the incredible June Huang who has continued to inspire me and help me grow, not only as a musician but as a teacher as well. I have been teaching strings for four years now and I absolutely love what I do. I find such joy in making personal connections with each and every student and watching them grow, both as musicians and as individuals. My goal as a teacher is to help my students discover and nurture their talent and love for music, and to inspire them the way my teachers have for me.

The Music Stores

Zach Granger

Zach Granger was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. There is where his passion of music started when he started to take guitar at the age of thirteen. From there his love of music blossomed and started to take shape. He attended college at the University of Northern Colorado and received his Bachelors degree in Music Education with an emphasis in classical guitar. Although his degree is in guitar he has experience with all instruments. In his program he taught in a range of classrooms including high school orchestra, middle school orchestra, and middle school band.

Along with his experience in classical music he also spent a great deal of time with rock, blues, and bluegrass music. This large variety of instruments and styles gives him great utility in the field of private teaching. In Colorado he worked for several different stores and schools and at the height of his teaching had over 40 students a week.

He moved to the area with his fiancee Natalie while she is attending graduate school at George Mason University for Vocal Performance, He is very excited to be in the area and see everything Virginia has to offer.

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Ron Definis

Drums

Ron Definis has been teaching DRUMS at Twinbrooke Music since 1992. He enjoys all styles of drumming, including Concert, Rock, Latin, Jazz and Big Band. Ron started playing at an early age and persued music in high school and college. He studied with the likes of Ray Delphy, Joe Durso, Lee Mason, W.H. (Boots) Williams, and when he was in town performing, Louie Bellson. Ron Played and traveled in the 1960‘s and 1970’s with such groups as The Premiers,Saxtons, Bill Black Combo, Holy Toledo and Liquid Trapeze. He is currently performing with The Jeff Paul Trio.

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Steve Jannette

Percussion, Drum Set, Electric Bass

A well-rounded teacher and performer, a Steven Jannette has been a fixture on the NOVA Music scene for over a decade and has held a local teaching career for 12 years.

Obtained an A.A. Jazz/Popular Music Degree with percussion/drum set and Bass Guitar from NVCC. Involved with several music groups including but not limited to; Washington Chamber Music Orchestra, The SlyMonk Fusion Project, and most recent project, Los Nova-Tones.

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Caitlin Stibbards

Piano

I have been playing piano since before I could read, and always admired the interactive methods of music teachers. I‘ve taught piano and math for about 3 years. I am currently working towards a bachelor’s degree through NOVA and George Mason in Physics with a minor in music. I love to teach kids of all ages, and encourage them to enjoy what they’re doing, improvise, and even create their own pieces.

The Music Stores

Bill Oliver

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Bill retired from First Virginia Bank in 2003 after 25 years as a Computer Programmer, Projact Leader and for the last of those 14 years as a VP/Computer Applications Manager. During and before those years Bill played part time in many bands, opening for numerous national acts and playing in major venues including Wolf Trap, Peer 6 in Baltimore and Lime Kiln in Lexington, VA. After retiring. He began volunteering and then working for New Life Christian Church. Bill started teaching Bass Guitar and Acoustic/Electric Guitar at Reston Music in November of 2004. Bill is a staple of Reston Music and is well known for his warm personality, patience and passion for guiding students in a musical journey. Bill and his wife Karen will be married for 44 years in January 2012. They have 2 children and are also very loving Grandparents.

The Music Stores

Vinny Roth

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Vinny has been a musician for the last 35 years attending both Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University where he earned a fine arts preformance degree. He has also studied jazz arranging via the Berklee School of music online.
Vinny has studied country guitar with honkytonk tele master Bill Kirchen, and Jazz guitar with Vinny Valentino. He has played alongside Ian Gillian of Deep Purple fame. He has recorded and gigged with Ike Willis of Frank Zappa’s band and has recorded with sax legend Ron Halloway ( Government mule) Al Williams from Stanley Clarkes school days band, and Kevin McKendree from Brian Setlzer’s band. Mr. Roth’s forthcoming Cd. ( set for release in late 2016) Features many of the aforementioned musicians as well as many other notable players.

In 2004 Vinny was a finalist at the Guitar Center Guitarmageddon solo off contest, in 2005 he added music to several movie sound tracks including the winner for best medical documentary of 2005 “Techno Storks” . He has also added music for the television pilot “You Don’t Say” featuring news anchor Cokie Roberts.
In 2013 Vinny became an online video clinician for JBE guitar pickups producing many product demo videos for their website. Vinny is aslo a clinician for the Italian guitar company Lengardo Guitars and was a demo artist at the California NAMM show January 2016. He is working with Centerstream music on publishing his latest book and is gearing up for a mini tour when his latest CD is completed.
Mr. Roth regularly teaches between 40-60 private guitar lessons weekly and keeps busy doing studio sessions at Little Erich music studios in Burke Va.
Vinny preforms regularly around the Dc. Tristate area including the venues. The State Theatre (Falls church Va.) The Birchmere (Alexandria, Va.) The Jammin Java ( Vienna, Va.) as well as out of town venues The Soul Factory (Dover Delaware) and The Bigham Street Tavern ( Pittsburgh Pa.)
Vinny is currently under Little Erich music Management and signed to Big Vee Records

The Music Stores

Gabe Churray

Piano

Gabe has over sixteen years of teaching, writing, and performing experience.

As a teacher, he is highly interested in contemporary styles, pop to classical, and the infinite possibilities available to students for writing and performance in the 21st century. He looks forward to the opportunity to help each student dive deeper into their understanding of music by helping them realize and achieve their own personal musical goals.

As a performer, Gabe played keyboards and toured internationally with Domino Recording artist Matthew E. White for his critically acclaimed debut record, “Big Inner”. The band shared the stage with notable artists including George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Emmylou Harris, She and Him, Grizzly Bear, and The Mountain Goats. The group also performed at many iconic venues and festivals around the world including The Sydney Opera House, The Hollywood Bowl, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Glastonbury, and SXSW.

As a composer, recording, and remix artist, Gabe has collaborated with many artists including S. Carey (Bon Iver), Califone, and No B.S. Brass. His works have been recognized with awards from pioneering American composer Steve Reich, James Madison University, the University of Minnesota, and Indaba Music.

The Music Stores

James Covington

Brass, General Music

James Covington is a multifaceted musician and teacher of many genres, including classical, jazz, top-40, salsa, and contemporary. He began playing the trumpet shortly before his 6th birthday, and has dedicated his life to improving his musical skill-set, which he now enjoys passing on to his students. After completing a degree in Music Education at Ithaca College (NY), he earned a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance at the University of Maryland - College Park. He has performed with groups such as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta La Leyenda, the Eric Felten Jazz Orchestra, and at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, VA.

James has taught band and orchestra in Prince George’s County, MD, and has been teaching for The Music Stores since 2012. He is currently a music teacher at Herndon Elementary School. He is a trumpet player in the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, as well as The DC Transit Band, a 9-piece wedding band in Northern Virginia.

The Music Stores

Pierre Guertin

New to Virginia from the New York area, Pierre Guertin is a performer, freelance artist and private teacher on Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano and Voice, Having 35 years of teaching experience, his approach inspires and motivates through a creative, practical and efficient methodology, expediting the learning process easily for students of all technical levels, ages and musical styles.

Mr. Guertin has had numerous instrumental and vocal concert appearances which include performances with Keith Richards, Jose Feliciano and Jazz Great Hank Mobley, back-up singer
for Pete Seeger, opening for the rock bands ‘YES’ and ‘The Village People’, the Opening Ceremonies for the Provincial Parliament of Ontario, Canada, the US Coast Guard Base, Flotilla
73, the World Peace Center (NYC), the ANZAC Commemoration Service, British Empire Building, Rockefeller Center (NYC), the 150 th Anniversary of ‘Taps’ and the J.F.K. Assassination 50 th Anniversary Commemoration (Arlington Cemetery, VA). He also collaborated
with Grammy-Nominated guitarist Gil Paris, 2014 Blues Music Award Album of the Year Nominee, Paul Gabriel, and has been an On-Air Personality with various radio stations.

Mr. Guertin studied Music Education at the University of Florida, and after touring with Florida State Theater’s production of “Ain’t Misbehavin” (playing saxophone and clarinet), moved to the New York area for the last 25 years working with world-renowned Gospel singer Georgia Louis accompanying her on Piano and Saxophone (Ms. Louis was the first black woman to host a nationally syndicated television show, “TV Gospel Time” in the 1960’s and was asked by Louis Armstrong to be his “Musical God-Child”). Mr. Guertin also studied voice with Dr. William H. Collins, Jr. and Robert LaRocco (both of New York City) and has had extensive experience as a Gospel and Jazz vocal/instrumental soloist and accompanist.

The Music Stores

Kenny Pimental

Piano, Guitar, Voice and Bass

Kenny is a professional musician and songwriter with over 25 years experience performing live, recording in the studio, teaching and accompanying. He is currently performing in the greater Washington DC area featuring classic rock, swing, country, mo-town, and pop music of today.

Kenny provides individual musical instruction for the piano, guitar, voice and bass. Each lesson is personalized to match the needs of the student. While most instructors simply follow a teaching method Kenny incorporates ear training, rhythm studies, sight reading, and music theory, to provide a complete musical education.
Kenny has a degree in music from California State University and studied at The George Washington University.

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Chris Smith

Guitar, Bass

Chris has been playing guitar for over 15 years and has been teaching at The Music Stores since 2011. He holds a B.S. in Classical Guitar Performance from Radford University, where he studied with Kris Hale and Dr. Robert Trent. In addition to classical guitar, Chris studied composition with Dr. Bruce Mahin and jazz with Dr. Christopher White. Before attending RU Chris studied with Andrew Padula where they focused on rock n roll, blues, funk, heavy metal, and improvisation. Chris has been a member of numerous bands in the Northern Virginia area as a guitarist and bassist. He is currently the guitarist of the psychedelic indie rock band NAH.

The Music Stores

Dean Maged

Guitar, Bass - Director of Larry’s Loud Noises

Dean Maged studied the electric guitar for over ten years with Berklee College of Music graduate, Mike Bailey. At NVCC he studied Jazz guitar for two semesters with Ken Hall, and has spent the last two semesters studying classical guitar with Larry Snitzler, who studied with the late great Andre Segovia (the most famous classical guitarist of the last 100 years). Dean is currently looking forward to Jazz guitar lessons with Rick Whitehead this fall. He has been performing for eight years in local bands ranging from Blues, Jazz, Metal, and Classic Rock, and has played in the Washington Chamber Music Group (for a Vietnamese Charity concert). He was a member of the George Mason Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos under the direction of Richard Parrell and Wade Beach respectively, the later studied piano with Sir Roland Hanna. As a music education student at George Mason University’s new School of Music Dean is enrolled in a rigorous curriculum of music theory, sight singing, ear training, music history, and general education courses. At this moment he plays and/or teaches guitar (electric and classical), bass, drums, percussion, piano, harmonica, and voice. By the end of his undergraduate studies at GMU he will have studied all orchestral instruments and become a certified teacher in Virginia. Dean was accepted to Berklee College Of Music with $7,000 scholarship and attended the Guitar Sessions 2004. Dean has been teaching for five years and was the senior guitar instructor and number one guitar teacher for three years in a row at A&A Music. One of his students received a scholarship for being the best music student at Farmwell Station Middle School in Loudoun County.

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Dave Erickson

Brass

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Stacey Sinclair

Strings

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Fred Koch

Woodwinds

Frederick H. Koch has been active as a professional musician for 40 years. Mr. Koch’s first job, at the age of 15, was with a Dixieland band, on the back of a flatbread truck for a local political candidate in Atlanta, GA. In addditon to his private studies on the clarinet, saxophone and flute, Mr Koch is an accomplished composer/arranger, whose works have been performed at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian and Carnegie Hall among other venues. Mr Koch has performed in a wide variety of musical styles from Classical to Rock, R&B, Salsa, Jazz and even Polka! Among his many engagements, Mr Koch has played with the Great American Music Ensemble, the Virginia Grand Military Band, the Duke Ellington Orchestra (directed by Mercer Ellington), the Ojays,Mary Wilson, The Temptaions, The Four Tops, as well as European and American touring productions of “Meet Me in St.Louis”, “42nd Street”, “Grease”, and West Side Story. Mr. Koch is a veteran of the US Army and studied at the Berklee College of Music and Virginia Commonwealth University. Along with his writing and performing activities, Mr. Koch has been active as a music instructor for over 25 years, teaching privately, coaching groups, adjudicating and conducting clinics. Mr. Koch believes strongly that his experience in different aspects of the music industry helps make him a better teacher. Mr. Koch lives in Annandale, VA with his wife Anne, his son Louis and daughter Maya.

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Nikole James

Voice

Nikole James earned her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Having performed in many different venues across the United States, including The Kennedy Center with the Washington National Opera Institute, as well as Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic, she is most recognized for her artistry and captivating stage presence. Her operatic roles include Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, and opera scene programs as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Miss Silverpeal in The Impresario, Aunt Bea in Bolcom’s A Wedding, and Lucy in Pasatieri’s The Hotel Casablanca. In addition to her wide variety of operatic roles, Nikole has also performed the role of Julie Jordan in Carousel. She was the Southern Division winner and national finalist for the MTNA Competition, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additionally, she received first place in the Senior Division for the NVMTA Competition, first place in the Regional Level at the Bland Music Competition, and was named “Most Outstanding Vocalist” and “Broadway Bound” at the William Schmidt Vocal Competition. Ms. James understands the importance of healthy vocal technique, and through her teaching, hopes to inspire her students and share her passion of music with others.

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Samantha Tippen

Viola, Violin, Cello

Samantha Tippen is a violist currently from the Virginia area. She started playing at the age of 8 and has fallen in love with the instrument. Throughout schooling, Mrs. Tippen attended many youth orchestras as a principal violist and participated in multiple years of all county and all state in Maryland. Under the direction of Courtney Boyd, Louise Hildreth- Grasso, and Doris Lederer, she has graduated from Peabody Pre-Conservatory in the Performance Academy, and Shenandoah Conservatory. During that time, she has gone on multiple international tours including Canada and Argentina. Mrs. Tippen has performed in multiple music festivals including Brevard and Snow Pond. She has worked with multiple groups and individuals such as the Logan Smith Band, Oceanline, and Chasing Autumn as a session musician.

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Carly Alba

Flute, Piano

I started on the flute at the age of 10 and never stopped playing since then! During middle school and high school, I participated in Solo & Ensemble Festivals every year and received a superior each year. I passed the audition to be in District Band. I was first chair in symphonic band, section leader in marching band, and principal flute in orchestra. It was around this time that I started taking piano lessons and participating the recitals and competitions. Because of the positive experience and opportunities I had in the music program in my school, I decided to continue music at the college level.

I received my B.A. in Music & Spanish from George Mason University where I studied under Jenny Lapple. During my time at GMU, I participated in the flute choir, band ensemble, masterclasses, competitions, recitals, and took lessons from Gary Schocker. I was also accepted into Aria International Summer Academy. I have studied music theory, music history, pedagogy, and repertoire extensively and want to inspire students to be the best musicians they can be!

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Chantilly Location

Mary Cronin

Piano

Mary Cronin discovered music through joining the elementary school orchestra at the age of eight where she began her violin studies. Within two years, she began her piano journey, in addition to violin. As her artistry grew, her teachers took notice and began to inspire her to make it a career. She decided to attend Longwood University where she earned a B.A. in Piano Pedagogy, while continuing her work on violin.

In 2013, she was awarded the merit from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Piano Assessment (A.B.R.S.M.), mastered books 1-4 from the Suzuki Violin method, received top marks in the Solo and Ensemble Festivals on violin and performed a violin solo with the Longwood Advanced Choir. Mary enjoys teaching and encourages a safe, fun, and engaging learning environment while promoting excellent student, parent and teacher interaction. Her mission is to inspire her violin and piano students to fall in love with music and find a fun and exciting way to express themselves!

The Music Stores

Zoe Spruston

Violin, Viola

Music has always been a passion of mine. I started playing violin at age nine and had the privilege of studying under the instruction of two amazing teachers; Helia Schramm and Hilel Kagan. I was trained in the Suzuki method and at a young age participated in many solo performances, chamber ensembles, and youth orchestras, including Canzonetta, a private elite youth orchestra in Chicago in which I served as second violin section leader. Playing with the Canzonetta orchestra throughout high school afforded me the extraordinary opportunity to travel to and perform in Toulouse, France. I also served as a first violinist in my high school’s symphony orchestra and traveled to New York City to perform. Currently I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Violin Pedagogy at George Mason University, where I play in the first violin section of the Mason Symphony Orchestra. During my time at George Mason I have been fortunate to study under the incredible June Huang who has continued to inspire me and help me grow, not only as a musician but as a teacher as well. I have been teaching strings for four years now and I absolutely love what I do. I find such joy in making personal connections with each and every student and watching them grow, both as musicians and as individuals. My goal as a teacher is to help my students discover and nurture their talent and love for music, and to inspire them the way my teachers have for me.

The Music Stores

Steven Bennett

Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Ukulele

I was born in Washington DC, YEAR 1986 and now reside in Northern Virginia. I began my studies at chantilly music at age nine. Through my instructors in both string and percussions i knew that through a lot of practice and devotion to my musical talents that being an instructor myself was my lifes calling.

Far beyond my hard work is to have seen several of my students recieve musical scholarships through their devotion and this i am most proud of. I have been rewarded to study and perform with many of the metropolitan washington areas premier musicians.

I am always pleased to study and share my knowledge in Jazz, Blues, Rock, Classical and Country music. through sharing thoughts much is to be learned in music.

The Music Stores

Billy Wolf

Instruction:

Billy has over 15 years of experience as a private music instructor with his students ranging from age 3 to 83. He is available to help individuals wishing to study saxophone, clarinet, flute, oboe, piano, composition and jazz improvisation. His middle/high school aged pupils regularly receive honors at area, district and state levels as well as the annual Virginia Music Educator’s Solo and Ensemble Competition.

Several of his past students have gone on to study music at Capital University, The Eastman School of Music, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, The Ohio State University, SUNY-Purchase, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Additional teaching credits include clinician work with numerous middle and high school ensembles as well as serving as a guest lecturer of jazz history and improvisation at Utah State University and the University of Missouri.

Performance

Billy can be found performing across the east coast and midwest as the leader of his own Octet, Composers’ Tetradectet, and Tristano School project as well as with Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, the Brad Linde Expanded Ensemble, Ishmael Ali Zghoul’s "Zebec," and the avant-garde quartet, "Team Players."

Billy has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many leading practitioners of his craft. Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Oliver Lake, Jon Irabagon, Steve Wilson, Richie Cole, Oran Etkin, Seneca Black, Marquis Hill, Jim Powell, Ryan Keberle, Warren Wolf, Florian Weber, Cory Christiansen, Michael Formanek, Matt Wilson, and Jeff Hamilton are all musicians he has had the pleasure of creating music with. Being attracted to large scale projects, Billy has had the good fortune of having worked with several esteemed new music composers. Miho Hazama, Elliot Hughes, Frank Karlberg, Ken Schaphorst, and Nathan Parker Smithare some of the talented creators he’s previously performed under.

Education
M.M - DePaul University (2011)
Bachelor of Music - Capital University (2006)
Summer Performance Program - Berklee College of Music (2001)

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Zach Granger

Zach Granger was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. There is where his passion of music started when he started to take guitar at the age of thirteen. From there his love of music blossomed and started to take shape. He attended college at the University of Northern Colorado and received his Bachelors degree in Music Education with an emphasis in classical guitar. Although his degree is in guitar he has experience with all instruments. In his program he taught in a range of classrooms including high school orchestra, middle school orchestra, and middle school band.

Along with his experience in classical music he also spent a great deal of time with rock, blues, and bluegrass music. This large variety of instruments and styles gives him great utility in the field of private teaching. In Colorado he worked for several different stores and schools and at the height of his teaching had over 40 students a week.

He moved to the area with his fiancee Natalie while she is attending graduate school at George Mason University for Vocal Performance, He is very excited to be in the area and see everything Virginia has to offer.

The Music Stores

Gino Cioffi

Percussion

Education
Master of Business Administration, George Mason University - 1999
Bachelor of Music Management, George Mason University - 1996
Associate of Applied Science, General Studies/Recording Tech, NVCC - 1988
**Fluent in Spanish

Professional Experience
Background in Percussion and Music Industry, specializing in: drumset, snare drum, reading, recording, group formation/interaction, and music business. Private instructor with over 22 years teaching experience in local stores, including: Chantilly, Twinbrooke, Capone, CMC and A&A Music. Percussion Ensemble instructor for Chantilly High School, Fairfax County Public Schools 1997/98. Percussion Judge for Loudoun County District Band auditions 2008 and Guitar Center Annual Drum-off 2011 - 2013. Clinician for local area schools. Performed and recorded with local and regional acts. Drum Center Manager for the highest grossing, single music store in the Nation, as well as Store Manager and business consultant for smaller full-line music stores. Published in industry newspaper.

Will Riddell

Percussion, Woodwinds

Will Riddell is a percussionist who also works as a full-time music arranger, visual designer, and ensemble clinician, specializing in the competitive marching band and indoor drumline activities. His background is in woodwinds originally, with percussion later coming out of necessity in high school to help his band director fill a hole in marching band. Later he would go on to study music education in college where his diverse background made it easy for him to cross between instruments and explain techniques to students. He currently holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason in music composition, and is pursuing a masters in performance.

For over a decade, Will taught and/or designed for nearly a dozen of the most successful band programs in the Washington DC area. He taught at Chantilly High School from the fall of 2003 through the winter of 2012, helping their drumline earn the WGI World Championship in 2011, and six of their thirteen Atlantic Indoor Association Circuit Championship titles. He taught the marching programs at Broad Run, South County, and Freedom High Schools during their formative years, making them perennial AIA finalists and medalists. Will’s involvement includes many successful concert seasons as well, with his ensembles consistently earning Superior ratings at VBODA events, in addition to many awards from USBands, TOB, and Bands of America. As an arranger, Will’s body of work has included numerous programs of all sizes, from 21 states and Canada. He is employed by multiple public school systems, is an active member of the Percussive Arts Society, and stays involved in the summer drum corps and winter percussion / winds circuits.

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Phillip Joannou

Guitar, Piano

Philip has been surrounded by music his entire life. Having many influences from his own family, He grew up listening to everything from classical piano to Al Green to Led Zeppelin. Starting off on piano, he tried a wide variety of instruments while focusing on his voice for four years with choral director Kay Greene. He continued classical training on the piano until the age of 14 when he picked up a guitar to pursue other areas of music creativity. Philip has performed in a number of bands in the greater metropolitan area for the past ten years and also hosts open mics. Philip has been teaching guitar, piano and beginning bass for the past 9 years. He’s a utility musician with a great passion for music.

The Music Stores

Chris Smith

Guitar, Bass

Chris has been playing guitar for over 15 years and has been teaching at The Music Stores since 2011. He holds a B.S. in Classical Guitar Performance from Radford University, where he studied with Kris Hale and Dr. Robert Trent. In addition to classical guitar, Chris studied composition with Dr. Bruce Mahin and jazz with Dr. Christopher White. Before attending RU Chris studied with Andrew Padula where they focused on rock n roll, blues, funk, heavy metal, and improvisation. Chris has been a member of numerous bands in the Northern Virginia area as a guitarist and bassist. He is currently the guitarist of the psychedelic indie rock band NAH.

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Lawrence "Bubbles" Dean

Percussion

Lawrence Bubbles Dean was born in Alexandria, Va. The youngest of a family of 6 drummers, he first learned the art of set drumming under the tutelage of his father, Courtney Dean. Since the 1970‘s, Bubbles has pursued his formal music education at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), Virginia State University, and Howard University, developing his expertise in drums and general percussion. Throughout his career, Bubbles has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to the development of his craft. Though primarily a Washington based musician, he has wowed audiences across the United States and abroad. Bubbles’ reputation for delicacy and strength has earned him the title of Swing Master, gaining him easy entree into local jazz performance opportunities with many of the region’s top musicians. His versatility secures him many non-jazz performance engagements as well, including Gospel, R&B, Reggae, Blues and World Music.

Bubbles also enjoys a fine reputation as a drum and percussion teacher in the Chantilly, Va area. His leisure time is often spent giving back to the local community by working with neighborhood music associations, especially his father‘s marching drum line (Dean’s Drum Corps and Dancers, est. 1976). He is sought after as a lecturer in many of the D.C. Metro area’s schools, always extolling the virtues of lifetime learning and the great adventure of Jazz in the History of American Music.

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James Covington

Brass, Strings

James is a multifaceted young musician who is comfortable playing in many styles ranging from classical to jazz, salsa to contemporary. His performances have carried him throughout the United States as well as abroad. Past experiences include performing with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, La Leyenda Latin Jazz Band, Eric Felton Jazz Orchestra, Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, the World Champion East Coast Jazz Drum and Bugle Corps (2005), as well as performances at Lincoln Center in New York City and in Ireland.

James recently earned his Master of Music Degree in Trumpet performance at the University of Maryland studying with Chris Gekkar and playing lead trumpet in the Jazz Ensemble directed by Chris Vadala. He earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Ithaca (NY) College, where he studied primarily with Frank Gabriel Campos and had additional studies with John Charles Thomas.

James currently teaches Elementary Instrumental Music (band and orchestra) in Prince George’s County, MD, and is the trumpet player and music director for the DC Transit Band based in Manassas, VA.

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Nikole James

Voice

Nikole James earned her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the Manhattan School of Music. Having performed in many different venues across the United States, including The Kennedy Center with the Washington National Opera Institute, as well as Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic, she is most recognized for her artistry and captivating stage presence. Her operatic roles include Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, and opera scene programs as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Miss Silverpeal in The Impresario, Aunt Bea in Bolcom’s A Wedding, and Lucy in Pasatieri’s The Hotel Casablanca. In addition to her wide variety of operatic roles, Nikole has also performed the role of Julie Jordan in Carousel. She was the Southern Division winner and national finalist for the MTNA Competition, held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additionally, she received first place in the Senior Division for the NVMTA Competition, first place in the Regional Level at the Bland Music Competition, and was named “Most Outstanding Vocalist” and “Broadway Bound” at the William Schmidt Vocal Competition. Ms. James understands the importance of healthy vocal technique, and through her teaching, hopes to inspire her students and share her passion of music with others.

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Samantha Tippen

Viola, Violin, Cello

Samantha Tippen is a violist currently from the Virginia area. She started playing at the age of 8 and has fallen in love with the instrument. Throughout schooling, Mrs. Tippen attended many youth orchestras as a principal violist and participated in multiple years of all county and all state in Maryland. Under the direction of Courtney Boyd, Louise Hildreth- Grasso, and Doris Lederer, she has graduated from Peabody Pre-Conservatory in the Performance Academy, and Shenandoah Conservatory. During that time, she has gone on multiple international tours including Canada and Argentina. Mrs. Tippen has performed in multiple music festivals including Brevard and Snow Pond. She has worked with multiple groups and individuals such as the Logan Smith Band, Oceanline, and Chasing Autumn as a session musician.

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Twinbrooke Location

Caitlin McGuire

Piano, Flute, Guitar

Caitlin McGuire’s journey with music first began at age 9 when she started taking flute lessons. Once in high school she also began piano and guitar lessons to further her love and knowledge of music. She then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Appalachian State University and became a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Her 6 month internship was completed at Springfield Hospital Center in Sykesville, Maryland.

Caitlin moved out to Reno, Nevada as a music therapist to work with and teach music lessons to people of all ages and abilities. She missed her roots in NOVA and took a road trip across the country to move back. Shortly after she began teaching lessons at Twinbrook and Reston Music. She enjoys empowering her students to take pride in themselves and their skills as musicians as they grow.

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Ron Definis

Drums

Ron Definis has been teaching DRUMS at Twinbrooke Music since 1992. He enjoys all styles of drumming, including Concert, Rock, Latin, Jazz and Big Band. Ron started playing at an early age and persued music in high school and college. He studied with the likes of Ray Delphy, Joe Durso, Lee Mason, W.H. (Boots) Williams, and when he was in town performing, Louie Bellson. Ron Played and traveled in the 1960‘s and 1970’s with such groups as The Premiers,Saxtons, Bill Black Combo, Holy Toledo and Liquid Trapeze. He is currently performing with The Jeff Paul Trio.

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Austin Stahle

Guitar and Bass

Austin Stahle is a guitarist and educator in the northern Virginia area, where he is quickly building a reputation as a well-rounded musician. Experienced in jazz, rock, pop and blues among other styles, Austin has performed in many different ensembles and groups ranging from full big bands to combos, duos and solo guitar. He recently completed his Bachelor of Music degree from James Madison University with a concentration in jazz studies. While at JMU, Austin studied jazz and classical guitar in the studio of Adam Larrabee, focusing primarily on repertoire, technique, theory and improvisation.

Austin has shared the stage with guest artists such as Steve Wilson, Nate Smith, Jim White, Joe Sullivan and John D’earth and was often a featured soloist in the JMU Jazz ensemble, where he held the guitar chair for four years. In addition to his collegiate studies, Austin has studied privately with many of the top DC area guitarists including Shawn Purcell, Steve Herbermann, and Dan Leonard. While on a study abroad trip at McGill University in Montreal, QC, Austin had the opportunity to study privately with Juno-Award winning Canadian guitarist Mike Rud, who was a student of the late great jazz guitar legend Jim Hall.

Since graduating, Austin has become an in-demand guitar instructor in the northern Virginia and DC area, teaching students of all ages and musical abilities. His teaching style emphasizes the student’s goals first and foremost, while also demonstrating necessary musical skills such as theory, sight-reading and improvisation. Austin continues to perform regularly in DC and Harrisonburg with performances taking places at venues such as Twin’s Jazz club, Bistrot Lepic, Gypsy Sally’s, Clementine’s, M Institute for the Arts, Fairfax Country Club and Muse Vineyards. Austin enjoys teaching and performing in a wide range of musical styles including jazz, pop, rock, classical blues and funk.

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Alex Rhoads

Piano, Guitar, Classical Guitar, Bass Guitar

Alexandra (Alex) Rhoads has been teaching music lessons in the Fairfax area for over 13 years. She earned her Master’s in Education from George Mason University in 2012 and has taught full-time as a special education teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools at the elementary and high school levels.

Alex has been a performing musician and songwriter in the Northern Virginia area both with a band (Spectra) and as a solo artist for over 15 years. She has released two studio albums entitled “Room to Breathe” (2007) and “All This Time” (2016) in which she performed all vocal, guitar, and piano tracks, and received a Silver award in the Rock category of the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest in 2016. Additionally, she has been nominated for 3 Washington Area Music Awards. She has a background in classical, rock, pop, and blues styles on both piano and guitar.

Alex’s goals in teaching are to broaden her students’ knowledge of music, help them reach their full potential, and allow them to learn music that they are excited about. She is passionate about sharing her love of music with her students!

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Gino Cioffi

Drums

Education
Master of Business Administration, George Mason University - 1999
Bachelor of Music Management, George Mason University - 1996
Associate of Applied Science, General Studies/Recording Tech, NVCC - 1988
**Fluent in Spanish

Professional Experience
Background in Percussion and Music Industry, specializing in: drumset, snare drum, reading, recording, group formation/interaction, and music business. Private instructor with 20 years teaching experience in local stores, including: CMC, Chantilly, Twinbrooke, Capone and A&A Music. Percussion Ensemble instructor for Chantilly High School, Fairfax County Public Schools 1997/98. Percussion Judge for Loudoun County District Band auditions 2008 and Guitar Center Annual Drum-off 2011 and 2012. Clinician for local area schools. Performed and recorded with local and regional acts. Drum Center Manager for the highest grossing, single, music store in the Nation, as well as, Store Manager and business consultant for smaller full-line music stores. Published in industry newspaper.

Career Highlights
Opened shows for the following national acts: Accept, Blue Oyster Cult, Steppenwolf, Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws, Jake E. Lee, guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, George Lynch’s Lynch Mob, Souls of We, Michael Schenker Group, Junkyard, and John Cafferty and The Beaver Brown Band. Radio air-play and interview on DC 101 FM. Reviews in Northern Virginia Rhythm, Maryland Musician, and Centreview newspapers.

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Greg Hiser

Violin, Viola, Cello, Mandolin

Greg Hiser has been a freelance musician and private instructor in the
Northern Virginia area for the past 26 years. Currently he serves as
associate concertmaster of The Mc Lean Orchestra, principal second violin of Trinity Chamber Orchestra, electric violinist of Fuse Ensemble, and violinist of Carina Trio. Mr Hiser performs regularly at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, The Basilica of the National Shrine, The Kennedy Center, and with the Arlington Philharmonic Association. Formerly, Greg has played from bluegrass, to country & rockabilly, to progressive rock/jazz fusion with his bands New Mountain, Virginia and the Blue Dots, and the highly acclaimed, Boud Deun. Prior study of note with Nancy Luttrell, associate concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony, James Caeser, and Andrej Grabiec, concertmasters of the Wichita Symphony.

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Philip Scofield

Woodwinds

Graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. from George Mason University. Studied clarinet with Sharon Bonneau from the USAF Band (ret), and Oboe with Dr. Lorrie Berkshire-Brown of the Pershing’s Own US Army Band. Played Bb, Eb, Alto and Bass clarinets in GMU Wind Symphony. Also played Bassoon in GMU Symphony and Chamber Orchestras as well as Sax for the GMU Pep Band.

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Anthony Arnold

Clarinet, Saxophone

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Fred Koch

Woodwinds

Frederick H. Koch has been active as a professional musician for 40 years. Mr. Koch’s first job, at the age of 15, was with a Dixieland band, on the back of a flatbread truck for a local political candidate in Atlanta, GA. In addditon to his private studies on the clarinet, saxophone and flute, Mr Koch is an accomplished composer/arranger, whose works have been performed at the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian and Carnegie Hall among other venues. Mr Koch has performed in a wide variety of musical styles from Classical to Rock, R&B, Salsa, Jazz and even Polka! Among his many engagements, Mr Koch has played with the Great American Music Ensemble, the Virginia Grand Military Band, the Duke Ellington Orchestra (directed by Mercer Ellington), the Ojays,Mary Wilson, The Temptaions, The Four Tops, as well as European and American touring productions of “Meet Me in St.Louis”, “42nd Street”, “Grease”, and West Side Story. Mr. Koch is a veteran of the US Army and studied at the Berklee College of Music and Virginia Commonwealth University. Along with his writing and performing activities, Mr. Koch has been active as a music instructor for over 25 years, teaching privately, coaching groups, adjudicating and conducting clinics. Mr. Koch believes strongly that his experience in different aspects of the music industry helps make him a better teacher. Mr. Koch lives in Annandale, VA with his wife Anne, his son Louis and daughter Maya.

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Pat Lash

Drums

Patrick Lash has been playing drums since 1981. He was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, where he studied with private drum instructors for more than twelve years. After earning a liberal arts degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he moved to Northern Virginia. Through the years he has performed and recorded with many bands and musicians covering numerous styles of music. He has been teaching drums here at Twinbrooke Music since 1998.

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Peter Cowett

Guitar, Banjo

Pete Cowett is a talented and creative performing musician and instructor in the Northern Virginia Area and is experienced in many aspects of the musical arts including performance, education, and studio recording. Pete Cowett has his BA in Music and has been teaching Guitar for over 30 years. He is currently the music leader at Daybreak Community Church in Ashburn, and has performed in several local area bands throughout his music career. Pete has performed at The Kennedy Center, Canadian Embassy, Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, numerous WMZQ remote broadcasts, night clubs, private parties and local television and radio shows. He is eager to share his love for music with both children and adults. Pete is committed to using music the student is passionate about to teach essential skills and back them up with small doses of theory, helping the student to become a musician and not just a guitar player.

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Scott Elliot

Guitar, Bass Guitar

Scott Elliot has an Associates Degree in Fine Arts, with a major in Guitar and a minor in Piano. He has been teaching and performing in the Northern Virginia area for over 25 years. He has worked as a music producer and a recording engineer for his own personal projects as well as other bands. Scott teaches guitar, bass guitar and general music theory to students from six years old and up.

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Simon Phillips

Guitar, Classical Guitar, Ukulele

Simon has been teaching at Twinbrooke Music since 1995. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in guitar performance from Virginia Commonwealth University. Throughout his education Simon has studied guitar with Corey Blake, John Patykula and Larry Snitzler. Simon’s performing experience includes, playing in rock bands, classical music ensembles and solo classical guitar.

Simon teaches rock, blues, folk, classical and Spanish guitar at all ages and levels. He works with the student to create a suitable and fun method to learn guitar. If the student is not sure what style of playing they are interested in, he can teach the basics and from there can introduce different genres and styles of music and technique. Simon teaches Monday through Saturday.

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Rosemary Gano

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Allyn Van Patten

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About The Music Stores

We have been serving Northern VA for over 30 years. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals are dedicated to providing a variety of musical services to meet your needs.

Whether you are a professional musician, a beginner, or you just want to learn an instrument, The Music Stores is the place where musical dreams turn into reality.

Latest News

We’re gearing up for the newest Larry’s Loud Noises concert! We have two bands that are two different age groups, 8 to 12 and 13 to 17. Concert is in March, date TBDLocated at Ned Devines To find out how to participate please contact our store!Phone: (703) 476-8809reston@themusicstores.com